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A different side to the Philippines |
| Posted by Malcolm Egner (mjegner) on Nov 13 2007 at 9:31 AM |
Well we are certainly seeing a different side of the Philippines here at Coco Beach. Today gave the opportunity for some relaxation, some reflection and an encounter with the wonders of Creation.
Most of the team were able to spend the morning snorkelling among the coral reefs - it was amazing to be up close with tropical fish, and the beauty of the coral. If the sun had been out it would have been even more spectacular, but it was still amazing. Pam was filled with awe as she discovered a whole new world. Most of us emerged with bumps and scrapes - Helen appeared to the worst affected with blood gushing from various limbs (slight exaggeration there!) but it was all worth it. The sea was a little choppy in places, but we just floated and observed the spectacle. Tim and Kate had recommended this experience and we're glad they did.
We also developed friendships with various vendors that mysteriously appeared on each beach that we alighted to go swimming. In fact some of them followed us from beach to beach - they were very persistent, but this is how they make their living. They kept thrusting their wares on you even after you'd bought all that you were going to. In the end we just got chatting with them, joking, and building a rapport.
And now some of us are feeling the aches and pains, but we'll gather together to eat tonight. Then tomorrow morning I think it's a lazy breakfast before departing by boat and the the three hour bus journey back to Manila.
Some of the party are still suffering from colds and slightly upset tummies which is part of the reason why we didn't all go on the trip today.
I don't know if we'll get a chance to blog tomorrow as we're unsure about internet access.
And if you're living in Stafford or wherever and experiencing the cold, just bear in mind our hardships here in the heat! Seriously, it has been good to relax a bit after the busy-ness of last week, but it's also a challenge as we contrast this experience with that of the people living in the slums and squatter camps of Manila.
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